#ballismus

hi besties, so i have lupus that is currently untreated and have been developing a lot of neurological issues, most likely as a consequence of this. we are suspecting:

1) cerebellar ataxia because i list to the left, i have an intention tremor, my balance has gone to hell standing & walking and is worse with my eyes closed, and i’ve got dysmetria (issues with finger-to-nose test)

2) some sort of movement disorder(s) affecting the basal ganglia. i experience what seems to be dystonia (slow twisting movements & muscles being held still in a certain position), chorea (jerky sudden movements), and ballismus (large flinging movements). the involuntary movements seem to get worse with directed movements, especially fine motor skills (possibly in some sort of relationship with the intention tremor), and strong emotions such as distress or excitement.

these have been getting significantly worse recently, and i’m especially concerned because my involuntary movements have “spread” to involve my legs and throat/tongue. i’m really struggling to find any practical advice & not just bullshit about exercise & taking care of your mental health or how brave caregivers are. my questions are including but not limited to:

if i’m walking while my legs start flinging, what do i do? i’ve started using my upright rollator around the house but i don’t think it could keep me from falling in that scenario

harm reduction in cooking for myself? i already don’t use knives but i’m worried about spilling boiling water or injuring myself with scissors

how to not break dishes. i need to use ceramic & glass because they can more reliably be cleaned for my allergy needs. someone suggested several small tables between the kitchen and couch which i’m going to try but would love any additional ideas as well

eating. i already use adaptive silverware and i think i’m going to invest in some bibs but it’s still so difficult

advice for choking - how to minimize it, what to do during it, etc

do you just take a pillow with you all the time or…? like i start hitting things around me really hard

we’re trying to find a community member who would be willing to drive me to appointments but in the event that i have to take a lyft somewhere, what do i tell the driver in case i start whacking their car?

if i for some reason have to be out alone, advice for not getting murdered by the police and/or forcibly hospitalized?